renter's rights

[tiggerblm]

We moved into a newly remodeled townhome in Orange County, California. On moving day we realized the place was not completely done. The cabinet under the kitchen sink is moldy and water damaged. The oven is still dirty from the last tenants and the cabinets have food on them. The construction crew left their equiptment in our garage and there is paint all over as well. The bathtub fixture does not work....etc.
We have informed the landlord verbally as well as written of these problems, they have given us empty promises thus far.

Doesn't a cleaning deposit mean, the place should be clean when you move in? Hence the term"leave it the way you found it when you leave".



My questions: how long is considered reasonable to have these things remedied.
What legal recourse can we take if these things are not taken care of in that time?


[Edited by tiggerblm on 12-15-2000 at 02:57 AM]

 

[HomeGuru]

Read your L/T laws for applicable remedies.

 

[LL]

Your biggest problem is to document the condition.

Take pictures of everything. Then write a letter to the LL telling him to fix everything by a certain date (like 30 days) or else you will leave. Then if he doesn't perform, follow through on your promise. Enclose copies of the pictures with your letter, and send it certified.

By the way, there is no such thing as a cleaning deposit in California. Any money that you gave the LL to hold is Security Deposit and can be used by LL to clean, repair damage and used against unpaid rent, after you have left. Therefore, your documentation of conditions is important.